Robert Gallery hoping to make impact

FOXBORO 
Of all the Patriots’ free-agent pickups in the offseason, none has stood out more during training camp than Robert Gallery. Literally, that is.

Of course, when you check in at 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds with longer locks than Emmylou Harris and a body with more artwork than the Louvre, it’s hard not to be noticed in a crowd. But Gallery’s goal isn’t to stand out, but to blend in.

“I’m just here to work on my skill, try to get better every day and do what I can do to help the team,” he said.

The Patriots signed Gallery on March 19, five days after he was released by the Seahawks. He spent one year in Seattle after having played the previous seven seasons for the Raiders, who used the second overall pick in the 2003 draft on the former All-American from the University of Iowa.

“It’s just the choice that was made,” Gallery said of his decision to come to New England. “It seems like a long time ago and, like I said, I’m just ready to get this camp rolling and get into the season.”

Gallery entered the league as a tackle and could still play the position in a pinch, if not effectively. His most success has come at guard, and the Patriots have worked him on both the left and right side

“Wherever they put me, I’m taking those snaps,” he said.

While it’s still early, it’s been a ragged start as Gallery, who turned 32 Thursday, has frequently been overpowered. That’s never a good thing, but particularly for someone of his size.

Gallery had spent the previous two practices running with the first unit, on Friday at right guard and Saturday at left guard. He was back with the backups yesterday, with Donald Thomas getting an opportunity to show his stuff instead.

Special-teams core
The Patriots are likely to devote four or five spots to players whose primary duty will be to make up the core of the special teams, playing on all four coverage and return units. That’s the good news if you’re an aggressive, fearless player who happens to be limited offensively or defensively.

The bad news is you have a whole lot of players fighting for those limited, coveted spots. The group includes holdovers, Matthew Slater (a lock to make the team), Tracy White, Sergio Brown, Niko Koutouvides and Dane Fletcher.

Unlike White and Koutouvides, Fletcher is a legitimate linebacker and not one in name only, giving him a huge edge in the competition. Same goes for Jeff Tarpinian, who appeared in seven games last season before landing on injured reserve.

The newcomers include free agent pickups Marquice Cole and Spencer Larsen and rookie Nate Ebner, whom the Patriots drafted out of Ohio State in the sixth round in April specifically because of his special teams prowess.

“That’s one thing I think Bill (Belichick) has done ever since I’ve been with him or have watched him when I’ve been other places, it’s bringing in competition for everybody,” special teams coach Scott O’Brien said. “Right now we have a lot of competition and it will sort itself out. Not just young players, there are experienced players there.”

On the positive side, rookie defensive lineman Justin Francis was back after having been carted off the field Saturday. It apparently was nothing more than leg cramps.

Extra Points
The Patriots have today off after having worked out in pads the last two days. They’ll return to practice tomorrow with a session scheduled to run from 1:30 to 4 p.m. … Attendance yesterday topped over 14,000 for practice, setting a record for the third time in four days. … Defensive tackle Ron Brace continues to impress. The former Burncoat standout has looked comfortable and confident while displaying stoutness and strength through the first four days of camp.